Sports bettors are more likely to binge drink and consume more alcohol according to a new study from the International Center for Responsible Gambling (ICRG).
Published in the JAMA Network Open journal, the study found its sample of sports bettors were disproportionately more likely to report binge drinking at a greater frequency over the last 12 months compared to non-sports bettors.
Led by Dr. Joshua Grubbs of the University of New Mexico, the study states that its findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and informed regulatory policies to mitigate the risks associated with sports betting and alcohol consumption.
“Our research highlights a troubling trend of excessive alcohol use among sports bettors,” explained Grubbs. “We must use these insights to formulate effective strategies that promote responsible gaming and alcohol consumption.”
Grubbs also noted that further investigation is needed to compare alcohol consumption between online and retail sports bettors as prior research has shown that individuals who bet online or via apps engage in riskier behavior.
The study used a sample of 1,812 sports bettors and 2,806 non-sports bettors and participants’ alcohol consumption levels were assessed using the National Institute on Drug Abuse Quick Screen which asks respondents how often they consume an excess of alcohol at a single time.
Funding for the research came from the ICRG’s Sports Wagering Research Fund, which includes donations from organizations such as Caesars Entertainment, Entain, NASCAR and the PGA.
“We are immensely grateful for the support from our partners, which enables us to pursue research that makes a meaningful difference,” added ICRG President Art Paikowsky.
Art Paikowsky sits down with Martin Lycka
ICRG President Paikowsky was the latest industry professional to join Martin Lycka on his Safe Bet Show podcast.
In the podcast, the pair discussed Paikowsky’s life in fundraising and the work of the ICRG in progressing the industry’s knowledge of responsible gambling.
Paikowsky also explained how the rise of technology and AI is leading to donor fatigue and also the need for “universal acceptance” within the gaming industry of the problem of responsible gambling.
